This lesson teaches children that Jesus loves His friends even when they make mistakes, and that He prays for them and gives them a special meal to remember Him by. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
Jesus loves His friends, keeps His promises, and prays for us even when we get scared or fail.
Memory Verse
Luke 22:19
He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if receiving a gift. Then bring them slowly to their chest. Say the verse together with each motion, so the words and the hands help them remember that Jesus gave His body for them.
The Story: Luke 22 for Kids
It was almost time for the Passover, a special feast when God’s people remembered how He rescued them long ago. Jesus knew that something hard was coming. The leaders who did not like Him were looking for a way to hurt Him, and one of His own friends, Judas, had agreed to help them. Jesus was sad about this, but He still loved every one of His friends.
Jesus sent Peter and John to get a room ready for their meal. They found everything just as Jesus had said. That night, Jesus sat down with His twelve friends, the disciples, and they ate together. Jesus took bread, thanked God, and gave it to them. He told them, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”
After supper, the friends began to argue about who was the most important. Jesus showed them a better way. He said that the greatest one is the one who serves others, and then He told them, “I am among you as one who serves.” He also said that Peter would deny knowing Him, and Peter did not believe it. Jesus knew Peter’s heart, and He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail.
Later, Jesus went to a garden called the Mount of Olives to pray. He was very troubled, and He asked His Father to take the hard cup away, but He said, “Not my will, but yours, be done.” An angel came to strengthen Him. When Jesus returned, His friends were sleeping because they were tired and sad. He gently asked them to stay awake and pray.
Judas came with a crowd and kissed Jesus to show them who to take. Jesus asked him a sad question. One of the friends cut off a servant’s ear, but Jesus healed the man’s ear right away. The soldiers then took Jesus away. Peter followed at a distance, and when people asked him if he knew Jesus, he said he did not, three times. Just then a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered what Jesus had told him.
Read It Together
Luke 22:31-32
31 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat, 32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus knew Peter would fail, yet He prayed for him before it happened. Ask children what it means that Jesus prays for us too, even when we make mistakes. Remind them that Jesus’ prayer for Peter helped Peter turn back to Him.
Luke 22:42
Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus was honest about how He felt, asking if the hard cup could be taken away. Then point out that He still trusted His Father’s plan. Explain that we can tell God our fears and still choose to trust Him.
Luke 22:51
But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear, and healed him.
(WEB)
Point out that even while He was being arrested, Jesus healed the man who had been hurt. Let children see that Jesus is kind even to people who come against Him. This shows children what loving others looks like in hard moments.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus ask His friends to do to remember Him, and why do you think He wanted them to remember?
- How did Jesus show His friends what being great really means?
- Why do you think Jesus prayed for Peter before Peter made a mistake?
- What do you think Jesus’ friends felt when they fell asleep in the garden, and what did Jesus ask them to do?
- When you feel scared or sad, how can you talk to God like Jesus did in the garden?
Activity Ideas
Paper Bread and Cup Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, glue, and a small paper plate. Have each child draw a round loaf of bread on brown paper and cut it out, then draw a simple cup on white paper. Glue both onto the plate. As they work, talk about how Jesus gave bread and a cup to His friends and said to remember Him.
Serve Your Friend Game
Gather a few chairs or pillows and a small bowl of crackers or grapes. Ask children to take turns being the servant, carrying the bowl to each person in the room without being asked. Afterward, ask who felt like the servant and how it felt to be the one who serves, connecting it to Jesus washing and serving His friends.
Prayer Pebble Take-Home
You will need a small smooth stone for each child, a marker, and a small bag or envelope. Let children write or draw a simple prayer word on their stone, such as “help” or “thank you.” Encourage them to carry the pebble in a pocket or bag all week and hold it when they feel scared, reminding them that Jesus prays for them and they can pray too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Luke 22 shows Jesus facing betrayal, denial, and abandonment while still choosing faithfulness, love, and service. The Last Supper points forward to the cross and the new covenant, and Jesus’ prayer for Peter reveals that restoration is part of God’s plan even after failure. The garden scene shows that Christ’s surrender to the Father was real and costly, and that His obedience is the foundation of our hope.
With children, avoid overstating the details of Peter’s denial or the physical suffering of Jesus, since young learners can become fearful rather than thoughtful. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love, His prayers, and His invitation to trust and serve. Let the more difficult parts be simple and gentle, and answer questions honestly without going into graphic detail.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank You for loving us and praying for us. Help us remember You when we share a meal, and help us serve others like You did. When we feel scared or make mistakes, help us trust You and talk to You. Amen.
